A Peaceful Gathering of Spiritual Minds
By tessah
@tessah (6617)
United States
April 17, 2008 11:16pm CST
theres been alot of friction, conflict, arguments and downright nastiness in regards to what is, i feel, sposed to be a way of finding peace, joy.. and a sense of connection to the Powers That Be. so i challenge you all. to express yourselves freely here, without condescending tones, without preaching to others, without defensiveness, without judgements on others for the way they feel and beleive. tell what YOU beleive, what you have faith in, why you feel the way you do, give examples of your own personal experiences that have lent validity to lead you to beleiving it is truth for you. are you capable inhabitants of the Lot? are you able to join together with others, regardless of the fact they may feel and think differently than you do, and learn about them as human beings? respect them for the diversity they give to this world we all live in?
myself.. im a heathen by definition. an eclectical polytheistic spiritualist. what does that mean exactly? i beleive in and worship many Gods from many pantheons and traditions. whichever way i am called and drawn to is the direction my path takes me, and it changes frequently as im led in other directions to learn more, evolve more, transcend and do more for Them, and my fellow creatures of humanity. i do not beleive any of Them are more important and vital than any others. that all are necessary in the grand scheme of things as They each bring Their own strengths and attributes to the Universe, and to restrict myself to one specific sect would not only be disrespectful to the rest, but limit myself to the experience of knowing Them, being inspired and touched by Them, and would stifle my own spiritual growth. i practice ritualistic magic & alternative healing. i listen to the wind and the Crow, feel the Earth breath, and hear the whispers of spirits and guides. ive remembered pasts before this time where ive lived, loved and died. and within it all.. ive found a peace and a purpose and a sense of being that is uncompared to any other religion ive ever been affiliated with. this is MY truth, MY faith.. whats yours?
2 people like this
4 responses
@QueenRainbow2001 (139)
• United States
19 Apr 08
I belive in Jesus, and while not forcing Him on anyone, I do love to share Him with others. I believe in only one God.
1 person likes this
@II2aTee (2559)
• United States
18 Apr 08
Posting on what is soon to be an epic discussion.
Personally I have no problem not forcing my spiritual beliefs on anyone. Mostly because my path is my path alone. I know its not right for everyone, but its just perfect for me.
I do think most monotheistic religions have pegged God completely wrong, but far be it from me to try to tell them that. You cannot deny someone elses reality.
I dont think God has a gender. I dont think God is all good. Nature is balanced between male and female, good and evil. It would make sense to me that a supreme being would be a perfect combonation of both.
I think reincarnation just makes sense.
I think Angels exist, and they have their hands tied up in every day human affairs, guiding us, and protecting us (to a degree. Sometimes bad things just HAVE to happen.)
And I do not think that anything is so permanent as heaven and hell. I dont think anything could last for eternity, be it bliss OR suffering. What would be the point of existance if you only get one shot, and thats it?
Eh. Its early. I can usually think deeper than this, but this is the best you will get untill at least my second cup of tea.
1 person likes this
@Ravenladyj (22904)
• United States
19 Apr 08
tell what YOU beleive, what you have faith in, why you feel the way you do
Well first and foremost I have faith in ME...but it took a long time to get to that point in life..I believe in ME as well...Why?...Because I am a child of everything, connected to everything and part of everything..That being said, if I have to label myself I'm a Pagan Buddhist, practitioner of old Witchcraft as well as Vodou..I am also believer in Native American Spirituality and I'm an Occultist..I really can't label it any more specific than that in all honesty....Bottomline I am me LOL...
give examples of your own personal experiences that have lent validity to lead you to beleiving it is truth for you.
Hhhmm Honestly, there arent any..not really..I mean there are but they are so many and some (to many ppl) are so insignificant or "just coincidence" (like a specific animal crossing my path or a tarot reading or a feeling etc etc) that I can't really narrow down any specific experience...Why do I believe its right and true for me though, because its been in my soul since I was a child. I feel it right down to my Core Being and have LONG BEFORE I even knew the terms or that others believed as I do (generally speaking since nobody CAN believe exactly as I do) and so on.
are you able to join together with others, regardless of the fact they may feel and think differently than you do, and learn about them as human beings? respect them for the diversity they give to this world we all live in?
Absolutely! and I wish more ppl were able to do it and just plain WANTED TO....We are all One but NOT the same and its our differences that really make this world go round ya know....how could I NOT respect, appreciate and so on, someone who is different to me...Not to mention the fact that I DON'T WANT anyone to try and be like me..we arent cookie-cutter ppl...We are individuals and should behave as such on all levels BUT because we are all connected we should show that respect and learn openmindedly from one another ya know..
@tessah (6617)
• United States
20 Apr 08
itd be an ideal world for sure if peope would do just that. respect the diversities of others.. consider these diversities as what makes this world rich with culture and varrying traditions, instead of some trying to force their own bigotries and hatreds and fears onto everyone in the world in the attempt of making everyone be exactly the same.
@oakshaman (57)
• United States
18 Apr 08
My faith too has evolved over time. I have taken my beliefs from every religion I come in contact with. It is not my place to discount any belief. I have read many of the holy books, scriptures, and writings from hundreds of traditions of religions. Do I believe in Jesus? Yes, and I've spoken to him. Muhammed, I've seen him too. Shiva, Zeus, Isis, Odin, Brigit, Coyote, Buddha... I've walked along side them. I have sought help from them all. To sum up, a favorite quote...
"I'm William Shatner... and I'm a shaman!"
